Spotlight: Kauai
May 24-27: Kauai Polynesian Festival. This multi-ethnic celebration starts on Thursday evening with live music at Kauai Community College’s Performing Arts Center. The fun continues for the next three days with Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian entertainment, hands-on arts and crafts activities, a farmers’ market, solo and group dance competitions, Hawaiian games, food booths, workshops and water slides, all at Vidinha Stadium soccer field in Lihue. 808-335-6466, www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org
Hawaii Island
May 5: Keauhou Farmers’ Market. Billing itself as all-local, all the time, this Saturday-morning tradition assembles quality produce, flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts and other island products. Clients should check out the farmer-chef presentations on the last Saturday of each month. Keauhou Shopping Center. 808-324-6011, www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com
May 12-13: Kau Coffee Festival. Latte lovers and drip devotees alike will want to stop by this annual festival in the scenic Kau district. Activities include a Miss Kau Coffee pageant, hoolaulea (outdoor party), auction, coffee tasting, a recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours and demonstrations. Most events are free. Community Center, Pahala. 808-928-0500, www.kaucoffeefestival.com
May 24-28: Big Island Film Festival. Focusing on the art of storytelling, this annual event distinguishes itself by spotlighting new, independent narrative movies and the people who make them. Clients can watch on big screens under the stars and attend filmmaker tributes, symposiums, concerts and parties. Fairmont Orchid and Shops at Mauna Lani. 808-883-0394, www.bigislandfilmfestival.com
Kauai
May 4 and 6: Masters of Hawaiian Music. Loosely tuned strings create a uniquely Hawaiian sound in this island style of guitar playing. Every Friday and Sunday afternoon, visitors can enjoy casual afternoon concerts in north Kauai, with proceeds supporting outreach programs for families in the area. Hanalei Community Center. 808-826-1469, www.mcmasterslackkey.com
May 27: Banana Poka Roundup. A free environmental education fair with workshops, exhibits and family activities, the roundup is named for the resilient and spreading banana poka vines that threaten to crowd out native Hawaiian plants and trees of the upland forest. Clients can weave the pliable vines into baskets while listening to live Hawaiian tunes. Kokee State Park. 808-335-9975, www.kokee.org
Maui County
May 4-11: Maui Classical Music Festival. Strains of Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann and Dvorak fill the air during public concerts held in various locations around the island. Among the world-renowned musicians are the Amernet String Quartet, clarinetist Daniel Gilbert, violist Yizhak Schotten and pianists Donne Lee and Katherine Collier. 808-878-2312, www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.org
May 12: Seabury Hall Craft Fair. Now in its 39th year, this upcountry favorite provides an opportunity to pick up souvenirs with a real sense of place. More than 100 local artists show and sell their wares. Other draws include live music by local entertainers, food, rides, a plant sale and a silent auction. Seabury Hall, Makawao. 808-573-0068, www.seaburyhall.org
Oahu
May 1: Lei Day Celebration. Hawaii’s tradition of giving and getting floral garlands never grows old. Clients can join the fun during free programs hosted by the city and county of Honolulu. Throughout the day, lei makers display their creations, with accompanying music, hula and crafts. Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki. 808-692-5751, www.honolulu.gov
May 15: Kuhio Beach Torchlighting Show. Nightly except for Mondays, this free outdoor event opens with the lighting of torches and the blowing of a conch shell. Next, visitors are treated to Hawaiian music and hula by the sea. Festivities begin at sunset. Look for it near the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki. 808-843-8002, www.gohawaii.com
